Aloha Friday! Happy April fools day 🙂
Sunday evening I prepared the clothes I would wear to the hospital the next day. I had been NPO (without food/water) since Sunday 7pm. I had a lite dinner as instructed, which we enjoyed at Monkey Pod here in Ko Olina. We chose Monkey Pod because we were familiar with the menu, now was not the time to try something new.
Getting up at 345 am on Monday March 28th was easy for me. I did sleep well, however I was anxious to get it done. We pulled up to the valet attendant in front of the Outpatient Surgery attached to Queens Medical Center. Yes “Outpatient”! Lots of people were surprised to learn that this surgery would be done as outpatient! We arrived at about 520am, I was asked to be there by 530am. I signed in, and was attended right away by registration. Shortly after registering I was taken back to the pre-op holding. Everyone who has had any type of surgery knows the drill, you change, vitals are taken, you verify name, date of birth numerous times and confirm what it is you are having done. I had a clear view of the dry erase board that had the surgery schedule on it. All my Rad-tech family knows what board I’m talking about. I was the first surgery scheduled for Dr. Nakashizuka. Patient names were not on the board, the list was separated by surgeon then listed by type of surgery. Each surgeon was color coded, my surgeons schedule was written in green.
I was her first case, Left Modified Radical Mastectomy Skin Sparing…….715am. Followed by two Lumpectomies and one subcutaneous mediport placement. Today was an observed holiday so the schedule was lite! All vitals were taken, I was ready! The anesthesiologist came to talk to me, he asked if I had a problem waking up from general anesthesia? I let him know that I usually wake up vomiting. With that being said he would give me something for that.
Just before they took me back I was listening to my “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten……it was on repeat!!!!! They Gurney I was on was put side by side the operating table, the room was cold. My gown was untied in the back and I scooted over. I laid with both my arms spread out. I remember Dr. Nakazhizuka coming over and placing warm roll under my left shoulder. Music was playing in the room, but I don’t remember the type.
Surgery was done by 945am.
I woke up fine, with out they usual projectile vomiting. Shortly after I was given a dry piece of toast and a small cup of juice. I didn’t take long after consuming it that the nausea set in. My daughter Monique told me I’m a “clean thrower upper”, cause I managed to get it all in that small emesis basin they give you. I’m a pro at vomiting, after chemotherapy!
The picture above was taken before the 12:00 hour. I was discharged before noon. Yup, up and walking!!!!! Monique went over to the Women’s Health Center at Queens and purchased this robe for me. Patients who get a Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy are taken from the Mammography department after their Needle Localization to the Out Patient Surgery Center via wheelchair. They are given this spa like robe to cover them up versus a blanket over them. When one of the Lumpectomy patients was wheeled over she noticed the robe and asked about it. She surprised me with one! I love it!
The past days have been spent relaxing here in this house we are renting till April 30th. My son found it thru VRBO. We are staying in the Ko Olina area of Oahu right down the road from Aulani Resort by Disney, my daughter Monique is in heaven……she loves all things Disney!!!
Right now I feel fine, shoulder feels a little numb but other than that I’m fine. I will continue to blog periodically throughout this month…….tired of typing.
Aloha Friday
My Breast Cancer Journey 